Egypt's Ambassador to Greece, Mourad Youssry Mourad, recently met Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris in Athens to discuss issues concerning the Egyptian community in Greece. The meeting reviewed progress on the implementation of the seasonal labor agreement and explored opportunities to recruit more skilled Egyptian workers in the construction and tourism sectors. This agreement serves as a regulated framework for the legal recruitment of Egyptian workers, helping to provide formal employment opportunities and mitigate the risks associated with irregular migration.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the close cooperation between Greece and Egypt regarding both the tackling of illegal migration and the strengthening of legal migration pathways. Discussions focused on the particularly positive results observed during the first eight months of 2026, specifically, a significant reduction in illegal entries of Egyptian nationals into Greece alongside an increase in returns, achieved through the cooperation of the two countries. This cooperation has yielded positive results, with a notable decrease in irregular migration.
The Minister of Migration and Asylum noted that the growing number of Egyptian citizens residing legally in Greece reflects the deep, close relationship between the two nations. He emphasized that Egyptian workers are highly valued and prioritized in the Greek labor market due to their skill and competence. This sentiment underscores the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries to facilitate legal migration and protect the rights of Egyptian citizens in Greece.
The discussion also addressed the legal status of Egyptian citizens in irregular migration situations. Both sides underscored the importance of continued cooperation and coordination to protect Egyptian citizens and safeguard their safety and rights, while adhering to the legal regulations governing residency and employment in Greece. This cooperation aims to ensure that Egyptian citizens in Greece are protected and able to access their rights.
Regarding the seasonal labor agreement between Egypt and Greece, the Minister emphasized the importance of fully implementing the agreement. The agreement provides a framework for the legal recruitment of Egyptian workers, helping to reduce the risks associated with irregular migration. Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Sevi Voloudaki; the Secretary General for the Reception of Asylum Seekers, Spyros Stathoulis; and the Secretary General for Vulnerable Citizens and Institutional Protection attended the meeting.
The meeting between Ambassador Mourad and Minister Plevris highlights the ongoing efforts between Egypt and Greece to address migration-related issues. Both sides expressed their commitment to continuing and further deepening this cooperation. This cooperation is crucial in managing migration flows and promoting a safe and orderly migration process.
The positive results observed in the first eight months of 2026 demonstrate the effectiveness of the cooperation between Egypt and Greece. The two countries will likely continue to work together to address migration-related challenges and promote a stronger relationship between their nations. Key aspects of their cooperation include reducing irregular migration, promoting legal migration pathways, and protecting the rights of Egyptian citizens in Greece.
Key points
- Egypt and Greece have observed a significant reduction in illegal entries of Egyptian nationals into Greece alongside an increase in returns.
- The two countries are committed to continuing and further deepening their cooperation on migration issues.
- The seasonal labor agreement between Egypt and Greece serves as a regulated framework for the legal recruitment of Egyptian workers.
